Smith, Rathbone return for Brumbies finals

Seasoned campaigners George Smith and Clyde Rathbone make a return to the University of Canberra Brumbies starting XV this Sunday in the side’s first finals appearance in nine years.

Both players returned to the Brumbies for an unlikely finals appearance in 2013, Rathbone from retirement and Smith from Japan.

Having won a combined three Super Rugby titles between them, Rathbone and Smith add big game know-how to a young Brumbies team with only two other players, Ben Mowen and Ian Prior, having experienced play-off rugby with other clubs.

With Rathbone starting, Tomane moves to the bench while Robbie Coleman drops out of the 22-man squad. Colby Faingaa also slides to the bench with Smith taking the starting No. 7 jersey.

Also returning to the starting side for the first time since injuring his shoulder against the Rebels is Nic White, with Ian Prior returning to the bench and Mark Swanepoel out of the 22-man squad.

“Bringing two guys like Clyde and George into our starting side will give us experience when we need it. Those two guys have both won championships at Canberra Stadium and it’s exciting to have them involved,” Head Coach Jake White said.

“The Cheetahs are a side which has made huge improvements over the last two seasons and it’s a credit to them that they are now a competition threat.

“It’s exciting for our fans that finals rugby is back in Canberra and I’m hoping that results in a big crowd coming out to support us on Sunday afternoon.”

Since the last Brumbies finals match, 78 players have debuted for the club including 50-gamers Peter Kimlin, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Ben Alexander, Julian Savli, Salesi Maafu and Pat Phibbs.

Sunday will be the eighth final played at Canberra Stadium since the Brumbies debuted in playoff rugby, back in 1997.